Audi has confirmed the appointment of Abraham Schot as interim CEO with immediate effect.

Abraham Schot becomes interim chairman at Audi AG

It follows the arrest of Rupert Stadler at his home yesterday (18 June) morning, at the request of the Munich II Public Prosecutor’s Office as part of ongoing investigations into the diesel emissions scandal. According to reports, Stadler is accused of fraud and falsifying public documents in relation to the sale of diesel cars with ‘defeat devices’ in Europe.

In a statement, Audi AG said Stadler had requested his release from his duties, which “applies temporarily, until the circumstances that led to his arrest have been clarified”.

Bram Schot has held the role of sales and marketing chief at Audi since 1 September 2017.

Last week saw VW agree to pay a €1bn fine for emissions cheating by German prosecutors as it said it admitted its responsibility for the diesel crisis.